Kenneth D. “Shimo” Lindstrom

Ken was born in Iron Mountain, on April 26, 1938, son of the late Helmer “Shimo” and Louise (Lupini) Lindstrom. Ken was a 1956 graduate of Iron Mountain High School. In 1960, he married Darlene Peebles at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church. Darlene preceded him in death in 2015.

Ken received bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and history from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Mich., a master’s degree in Spanish from The Universidad Interamericana in Mexico, and a master’s degree in counseling from Northern Michigan University in Marquette.

Ken began his long career in education as a Spanish and history teacher in Royal Oak, Mich., and then in La Grange Park, Ill. He and his family returned to Iron Mountain, where he was the principal at Channing High School. He retired in 1995 from North Dickinson High School in Felch, where he was a guidance counselor, Spanish teacher, and football coach.

Ken was a talented pianist, and fluent in Spanish and Italian. He was proud of his Italian and Swedish heritage and often cooked ethnic dishes at holiday gatherings (Lutefisk was not his specialty). He was an avid Cubs fan and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and talking about his childhood friends and growing up in the “25 Location” area of town. He had a wonderful extended family and often said his numerous cousins were like siblings to him.

Kenneth is survived by his children, Cynthia Lindstrom of Green Bay, Wis., Lisa (Timothy) Danielson of Milwaukee, Catherine (David) Lindsley of Green Bay, and Kenneth (Kim Carpenter) Lindstrom of Marquette; his six grandchildren, Maclain, Jack, and Nicholas Danielson, and Noah, Aaron, and Lauren Lindsley. Ken is also survived by his brother-in-law, James (Darlene) Peebles.

In addition to his parents and wife, Ken was preceded in death by his brother, Donald; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Dorothy Oien of Iron Mountain.

Private family visitation and funeral services will be held at St. Mary & St. Joseph Church in Iron Mountain. Fr. Janusz Romanek will officiate. A celebration of Ken’s life will be held next summer at Moon Lake.

The Lindstrom family wishes to thank the staff at Angel’s Touch Assisted Living for the excellent, compassionate, and loving care they provided, Sharon Danielson, Paul Martin, and Marlene Feira for their frequent visits to see Ken these past few years, and Robert (Buzzy) and Gina Olivanti for their lifetime of friendship and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Special Olympics organization or to St. Mary & St. Joseph Church in Iron Mountain.

Condolences to the family of Kenneth Lindstrom may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.